Megan Blocker

I've subscribed. Silly me, but I thought I'd wait until I've read a few issues to make up my mind what I think of it. ← Well, the magazine didn't work out too well for Rosie. Not everyone can model themselves on Oprah and get away with it (i.e., achieve global dominance on the same level). My instinct, though, is that if Rachael is anything, she's the new Martha. And just as we're getting the original back, too.

Where are the brand names? It can't be a Sandra Lee "Creation" without the Brand Names®. ← Maybe it's just SO horrible that absolutely no one is willing to be associated with it.

Fudge brownies...yum!

I meant "they" the establishment, not the authorities. I agree that there are issues beyond the comfort of other patrons when it comes to talking about kids in bars; however, I think that a place like Pegu would be relatively calm during the hours that a parent might consider toting a child along. Of course, I've seen parents bring children to midnight movies here in the city, so I guess they might bring a child to the bar at the same time. Don't get the sense that this is what Christopher had in mind, though...

No, but some might make an exception for a baby...i.e., someone who clearly won't be drinking or breaking any laws. Plus, you can't smoke in bars anymore, so that's not an issue.

Let me preface this by saying that I really do love children. However, I do not think that their presence is at all appropriate at a place like Pegu. It is a bar - not a restaurant, but really a cocktail joint. I can see the argument for taking (well-behaved ) little ones to fancy (or casual) restaurants: they are learning how to comport themselves, appreciate fine food, and spend some quieter time with mom and dad. But I cannot see a similar upside to bringing them into a bar, upscale or no. If we're talking about a neighborhood pub that is family-friendly and is equally a restaurant, that's one thing. But to bring children into a place where the true emphasis is on the imbibing - what's the value in that (besides not having to book a sitter )? Is the child learning how to drink a Manhattan? Probably not. I think an authorized gathering/private party is fine (it seems along the same lines as those Mommy Matinees, where parents can bring even crying children to the movies), but I don't think that other adult patrons should have to deal with children running around while they try to enjoy their $15 martinis.

I've heard two different myths for the name of this one: The dish is spicy, like a scarlet woman, shall we say. OR The dish is basically just a little of this and that thrown together, and can be easily assembled by a woman who has other engagements pressing on her time I personally like the first one best! ← My understanding is somewhat different, that the addition of hefty amounts of anchovy perfumed the dish in a manner reminiscent of a Neopolitan strumpet's professional parts. ← That is so much better than the stories I've heard. Wow.

I've heard two different myths for the name of this one: The dish is spicy, like a scarlet woman, shall we say. OR The dish is basically just a little of this and that thrown together, and can be easily assembled by a woman who has other engagements pressing on her time I personally like the first one best!

Paula's a mild guilty pleasure when compared to the Queen of Spice Packets (I refer, of course, to the infamous Sandra Lee). I think most of Paula's recipes are not quite as rife with preservatives as this one is, though. In terms of fat content, it's definitely representative of her ouevre, but in terms of ingredient freshness, I don't think it is...

Post-modern satire, if you will. An SNL skit expanded to a full half-hour slot. God, I hope it really it's meant to be as funny as it is. Do you think she knows her whole purpose is to make people laugh or, alternately, gasp in horror? Or is she the only one not in on the joke?

No way. NO way. That is...ridiculous.

Am feeling a bit under the weather right now, and last night had my equivalent of chicken soup: bun xao with chicken. The pic is a little blurry, but you get the idea!

Oh, wow. What a way to go. Ahhhh ... I guess the recipe assumes there are leftover donuts? Not gonna happen Chez Foodbabe, I'm afraid. ← I think the recipe calls for 2 dozen donuts - who has that many left over? How many did they start with?

Alinka, all I can say is: wow. And: can I come over for breakfast?

Also a good cheap option - Tocqueville (near Union Square) for lunch. They have a $25 prix fixe. I haven't been there in a while, but hear that it's still good!

Wow. Can you say hangover?

I went to Devi last week for a business dinner (didn't have the tasting menu, though) and really enjoyed it. I have to say, if budget isn't an issue, I am all over the Babbo recommendation. But if you want to stick to $150 for two people and have good wine, I don't know if it's quite doable (especially if you include tax and tip in that $150 total).

Sesame beef, broccoli in garlic sauce, and steamed meat dumplings from Pig Heaven on Second Avenue, all washed down with Amstel Light while watching All About Eve. Sometimes you just ned something REALLY low-key.

Absolutely - then they're just being careless or stupid - or both.

Sounds like a fun trip, Rookie! If you're looking for cheap hotels, I would recommend staying away from Midtown for the most part, or looking for package deals at the larger boutique-y hotels (The W, or one of the Ian Schrager hotels). Additionally, you might think about the Upper East or West Sides as places to stay - the UES in particular has some lovely little hotels, such as the Hotel Wales or the Franklin Hotel. Another option that people rarely think about in NYC are B&B's. There are some very cute ones in the Village. As for restaurants, it really depends on your budget. For the best return on your investment I would cast my vote for the following! Ouest - Some may disagree with me on this, but I think Ouest is great. Very solid - everything on the menu is good, and some things are truly excellent. They had a parmesan custard this winter that drove me wild! This is American food with a definite French bend, and an emphasis on meat dishes. Not a place for vegetarians. Paola's - This actually is my neighborhood place - I eat here a few times a month, and have yet to be disappointed. The spaghetti carbonara in particular is excellent. Pampa - This one is pretty far off the beaten path (Amsterdam between 97th and 98th), but it's delicious. It's an Argentinian steakhouse, and it has the most adorable garden out back. Keep us posted on what you choose and how it goes!

From a legal perspective, I think case law indicates that if you order something that is by definition a melange (such as chili, salad, lasagna) without asking about the ingredients or requesting special treatment, you're (in essence) taking your life in your own hands. In other words, if it were to go to trial or settlement, the patron would be in the wrong in the above case. I think. I'm not a lawyer, so I'm not positive, but I remember reading something to this effect...

Hee hee! Men and their technological toys, eh? Suzi, would you be willing to share the recipe for your meatloaf? Sounds delicious!!!

Trust me...if you hated hard cooked eggs the way I do, their presence in potato salad (or anything else) would make a big difference. ← Ditto. I cannot stand hard cooked eggs, and avoid them at all costs. I love eggs cooked pretty much any other way, but hard-boiled? Nope. Therefore, they are not included in my potato salads.

You should remind them that you should never yuck someone else's yum.

Exactly! This is what bread pudding, stuffing, rice pudding, fried rice, ribbolita, etc. are all about. Or, at least, were all about when they were first invented.